Top 5 Destinations to Escape the Chill this Winter

It’s official, winter is upon us and we’re feeling the chill. The harsh UK winter is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to be around to freeze your socks off! That’s why we’ve spoken to travel expert, Neil Latham, over at Holiday Gems to find out some of the best places to go if you want to soak up some sunshine this winter.

Portugal

Why travel too far when you’ve got a sun seeker’s paradise right on your doorstep? Portugal is only a few hours flight away, depending on where abouts you choose to stay, and enjoys warm weather all year round.

The Algarve is one of the most renowned holiday locations in Portugal, and features an endless selection of beautiful beaches and breathtaking natural beauty spots. Soak up the sun in one of the warm lagoons of the Alentejo coastline, and feel the warm white sand between your toes as you take a stroll along one of the country’s paradisiacal shores.

It’s not all sea and sand though, culture vultures will love the vibrant streets of Lisbon, with its traditional architecture and friendly locals. Food here is second-to-none, with an endless array of juicy meats and catch-of-the-day seafood to tempt your tastebuds.

Temperatures in Portugal over the winter months average at around 16°C, which makes for a pleasant change to the below freezing temperatures we experience in the UK.

Morocco

If you fancy a cultural explosion that’s further afield than Europe, consider Morocco. This vibrant hub of Northern Africa has been a tourist hotspot for decades, and for good reason. The country’s stunning natural scenery combined with the unique bustling Moroccan atmosphere makes for the perfect Winter holiday.

If you’re looking for a break that’s bursting with a rich culture, it has to be Marrakech. A city steeped in history, this capital is perfect for tourists looking to discover an African world of markets, traditions and welcoming locals. There’s no beach in Marrakech, but most hotels feature pools, so you can catch a break in the sun in between visits to the city.

If you’re looking for a beach holiday, visit Agadir. This coastal paradise boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and is the perfect place to soak up the African sunshine all year round.

Moroccan temperatures in winter range from the mid to high teens in the winter, making this country a wonderful and unique choice for escaping the big freeze back home.

Malta

If you’re looking for a sun drenched break to escape the harsh UK winter, Malta is a major contender. This tiny island is located between Sicily and the North African coast, and enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year.

With over 7,000 years worth of history to explore, holidays to Malta are perfect for sun worshippers looking to inject some culture into their trip. The country features a varied selection of quaint towns and beautiful traditional Mediterranean villages, with winding cobbled streets and delicious cuisine.

If sunbathing is more your thing, Malta has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with warm sands and rocky coves sloping into clear waters – perfect for soaking up those rays!

The temperature in Malta over the winter months remain warm and mild, from around 13 to 17°C, depending on when you choose to visit.

Malaysia

If you want to travel further afield this winter, consider the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. This stunning city enjoys a subtropical climate, meaning it’s hot all year round, and is the perfect place to experience some authentic Malaysian culture.

There are countless sights to see in Kuala Lumpur, and the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers are at the top of the list for most tourists. The towers were the tallest buildings on Earth for a long time, and remain the tallest twin towers in the world. At night they take over the night sky with their futuristic beauty, and the views from the skybridge are breathtaking.

The Malaysian temperatures in winter remain hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding the high twenties, and rarely dipping below 23°C.

Dubai

How could we have winter sun destinations without mentioning Dubai? The UAE’s stunning city is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, and is the perfect blend of futuristic skyscrapers and traditional culture.

Man-made islands, soft white sands, crystal clear waters, luxurious shopping malls… Dubai really does have it all. Compare that with views from tallest building in the world, spectacular dancing fountains and a hot desert climate, and you’ve got yourself the perfect winter holiday.

Winter in Dubai is a warm affair, with temperatures ranging from around 18 to 27°C, so it’s a fabulous choice to escape the icy clutches of the UK.